Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition: New features

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft will roll out the Windows 8.1 update codenamed –Blue on June 26. We have already seen the new features that will be included in Windows 8.1. Microsoft has gone ahead and revealed some of the features to be implemented in the Enterprise version of Windows 8.1, likely to benefit its business customers.

Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition new features

Here’s what you will find in Windows 8.1 update when the preview version of it becomes available later this month. First and foremost, there’s return of the Start button and inclusion of boot-straight-to-desktop option. Other features you can find:

Work Place Join – New feature in the Windows 8.1 update will ensure that only registered devices are allowed to access secured enterprise data.

NFC tap-to-pair printing – This update to Windows 8.1 will cut short the process of hunting for the correct printer on your network. Simply tap your Windows 8.1 device against an NFC-enabled printerand you’re done. You are ready to print!

Wi-Fi Direct printing – Windows 8.1 will enable the capability of forming a peer-to-peer network between your device and any Wi-Fi enabled printer. Just connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers. No additional software or drivers required for the job to be done.

Native Miracast wireless display – Give your presentations in a connection cords and dongle free environment. Just pair the project to a Miracast-enabled projector via Bluetooth or NFC and let Miracast use Wi-Fi to let you project wire-free.

Web Application Proxy – The service will enforce multi-factor authentication for accessing the Windows Server remotely. It will also apply conditional access policies to verify both the user’s identity and the device they are using before granting the access.

Mobility Enhancements

Broadband tethering – The feature will allow you to turn your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot.

Auto-triggered VPN – When you choose an app that needs access through the inbox VPN – like a company’s intranet site – Windows 8.1 will automatically prompt you to sign in with one click. This feature will be available with Microsoft and third-party inbox VPN clients.

Security Enhancements

Improved Biometrics – For safety purposes Windows 8.1 will use fingerprint based biometrics. Access to Windows Store Apps, functions within them, will be granted based on verification of a user’s biometric identity.

Pervasive Device Encryption – Device encryption previously found on Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 is now available in all editions of Windows.

Malware Resistance –Internet Explorer 11 coming up as a part of the Windows 8 update will feature an anti-malware solution that will scan binary extensions before potentially harmful code gets executed. Moreover, Windows Defender, Microsoft’s free antivirus solution will continue monitoring and protecting execution of known and unknown malware in Windows 8.1 as in Windows 8.

Modern UI experience

Variable, continuous size of snap views – Microsoft has made the job of naming groups and rearranging tiles easier. You can re-size apps to nearly infinite sized windows now!

Desktop and Start screen – Windows 8.1 now offers more colors than ever and appealing backgrounds for the Start Screen, including ones with the motion. A variety of tile sizes are available to better organize Start Screen space. The app listing will become more descriptive and informative.

PC Settings –Windows 8.1 users will readily have access to all settings from the ‘PC Settings’ now. No need to navigate to the Control Panel for completing the tasks.

For more Windows 8.1 update features, check the list. It will continue to update once the Windows 8.1 Preview goes live, and becomes available to the general public.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP Awardee in Windows (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.